Best Nick Goellner Podcasts (2025)

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How to Manage Outside Processes Like a Pro, 490 48:11

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16h ago48:11

48:11

Every machine shop relies on outside processes—whether that's heat treating, plating, grinding, or coating. But every time a part leaves your building, your risk profile changes. Quality, timing, and accountability become harder to control. In this episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Charlie Hushek, owner of Phoenix Heat Treating and a …

1
How Foreign Trade Zones Can Unlock Millions in Working Capital, Ep #31 40:21

4d ago40:21

40:21

When tariffs, trade policy, and cash flow collide, manufacturers are forced to think creatively—or risk being crushed by uncertainty. That’s exactly where Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International and Lucerne Global Solutions, found herself. With skyrocketing tariffs on imported automotive components, Mary realized the solution wasn’t to absorb…

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Why Showing Up Still Matters in Manufacturing 20:21

6d ago20:21

20:21

Most people see Fabtech as just a trade show. But for those in the fabrication world, it's where the entire industry comes together — to connect, learn, and see what's next. In this episode, Casey Voelker sits down with Rick Snyder of Multipress and Matt Crosby of Pacific Press live from the Fabtech show floor. Together, they talk about what it's r…

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Maximizing Profitability with Advanced Financial Tools (The Financial Playbook Every Machine Shop Needs), 489 1:02:39

8d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Finance doesn't have to be a mystery—it can be your greatest advantage. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we sit down with Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to unpack the financial principles that separate high-performing shops from those that just get by. Together, they dig into how manufacturers can…

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Coached—Not Just Monitored: How the Best Shops Turn Data into Action, Ep #26 42:49

11d ago42:49

42:49

You can collect data all day—but if you’re not using it to coach your team, you’re missing the point. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner and Dave Vuyk wrap up their “Mindset Shifts for Lights Out Legends” series with one final transformation: moving from a monitored shop to a coached one. Drawing on lessons from Nick’s recent talk a…

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Racing Toward Excellence: The Olson Brothers' Journey from the Track to the Shop Floor, 488 53:30

15d ago53:30

53:30

What happens when two brothers with a racing background decide to start a machine shop—with zero machining experience? You get Olson Custom Designs, a company that's gone from two Haas machines in 2014 to nearly 90 employees today—serving medical, defense, and aerospace industries out of a world-class facility in Indianapolis. In this episode, we s…

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Building a KPI Culture That Drives Real Improvement on the Shop Floor, Ep #30 55:36

19d ago55:36

55:36

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, host Mike Payne sits down with continuous improvement coach and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Brian Karp to dig into the metrics that matter most for manufacturing leaders. Together, they explore how data can be used not just to measure performance, but to transform culture, drive engagement, and spark meaning…

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From Hands-On to High-Tech: The Real Future of Fabrication 26:14

20d ago26:14

26:14

Most people think automation replaces welders. Graham Williams thinks it saves them. In this episode, recorded live at FABTECH, we sit down with Graham Williams of Vectis Automation to talk about how cobots are changing the game for small and mid-size shops — not by cutting people out, but by helping them do more, learn faster, and stay longer in t…

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Winning the Talent War: Recruitment, Retention, and Culture with Mike Tamasi, 487 58:45

22d ago58:45

58:45

Recruiting and retaining great people is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing today—but what if the solution isn't just about wages or benefits, but about building a culture where people thrive? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by guest co-host Jon Franko and special guest Mike Tamasi, CEO of AccuRounds, a for…

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Leadership at the Core: Building Trust, Systems, and People with Kyra Tillman, 486 46:24

29d ago46:24

46:24

Leadership is more than a buzzword—it's the backbone of every successful machine shop. In this episode of MakingChips—Machine Shop MBA, hosts Paul Van Metre and Jen Dubose sit down with Kyra Tillman, owner of BTM Industries, to explore what real leadership looks like on the shop floor and in the front office. Kyra inherited a decades-old family sho…

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Adaptive Over Aggressive: Redefining Lights-Out Manufacturing with Camoren Schley, Ep #25 54:32

1M ago54:32

54:32

Lights-out manufacturing isn’t just about adding robots or running machines overnight — it’s about creating a culture and a system where your shop can perform at its peak without constant human intervention. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and David Vuyk sit down with innovator and entrepreneur Camoren Schley of Sly…

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Inside the Numbers: Roger Atkins’ MTForecast 2025 Preview for Small Manufacturers, Ep #29 32:06

1M ago32:06

32:06

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), to talk about the real state of U.S. manufacturing as we close out 2025. Representing more than 1,000 small and medium manufacturers nationwide, Roger brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the headwinds, opport…

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Culture Under Fire: Building Values That Survive Growth Jesse Kleiman Part 2 50:53

1M ago50:53

50:53

Most shop owners talk about culture. Few actually put it into practice. In Part 2 of our conversation, Jesse Kleiman shares how he's building JR Metal Works on values that stick — from making hard work "cool again" to leading with "simple scales, fancy fails." This isn't theory. It's how a fast-growing fab shop operationalizes culture, keeps people…

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Strategic Growth & Vision: Building a High-Performing Machine Shop with Peter Doyle, 485 51:18

1M ago51:18

51:18

In this special MakingChips Machine Shop MBA episode, we sit down with Peter Doyle—CEO of Hirsh Precision—to unpack what it takes to grow and transform a machine shop with purpose. From his roots as an Air Force officer to leading a former Top Shops award winner, Peter has blended strategy, structure, and heart into a roadmap any shop leader can le…

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Requirements Review: How Paperless Parts' is Making Sure You Never Miss a Critical Detail, 484 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

If you've ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how sho…

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Building a Winning Team: Matt Wardle's Blueprint for Machine Shop Success, 483 53:10

1M ago53:10

53:10

Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person …

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From Fixed to Mixed: Mindset Shifts That Power Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #24 42:38

2M ago42:38

42:38

In this episode of Lights Out, Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and Dave Vuyk take listeners inside the mindset shifts powering the next wave of lights-out manufacturing. Forget just “working harder” — this conversation is about working smarter, breaking out of fixed thinking, and unlocking massive gains without adding headcount or square footage. The t…

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From First Questions to First Deals: Navigating Machine Shop Acquisitions, Ep #28 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

When you’re buying a machine shop for the first time, it’s easy to feel like you’re lost in the dark. I’ve been through more than 150 transactions in my career, but I still remember what it was like sitting across from my first seller—wondering if I was asking the right questions or if I was missing something important. That’s why I love conversati…

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Grow Fast or Go Broke: The Truth About Scaling a Fab Shop 47:29

2M ago47:29

47:29

Most fab shops dream of growth. Few are ready when it comes. Jesse Kleiman didn't just grow JR Metal Works — he scaled it from a garage startup to a 70-person team taking on enterprise-level contracts. In this episode, Jesse opens up about the reality of rapid growth: the cash flow crunches, the leadership pivots, and the culture shifts that come w…

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Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 46:00

2M ago46:00

46:00

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has…

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The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Running a machine shop isn't just about cutting chips—it's about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ran…

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Carrying the Legacy Forward: Yuto Matsuura on Family, Precision, and the Future of Automation, Ep #23 52:49

2M ago52:49

52:49

In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with a special guest who embodies both tradition and innovation: Yuto Matsuura, fourth-generation leader of Matsuura Machinery. His story is one of legacy, expectation, and transformation—from the weight of inheriting a century-old family business to finding his own passion for manufacturing and automation…

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Top Shops Benchmarking: The Numbers That Separate Leaders from the Rest, Ep #27 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Mike Payne sits down with Dave Necessary, Executive Vice President of Products and Markets at Gardner Business Media, to dig into the power of benchmarking and the Top Shops program. For more than a decade, Top Shops has been the definitive survey that shows manufacturers where they stand—highlighting the practic…

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The Hanna Golf Story: Building with Grit, Craft, and American-Made Pride 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

Most golf brands take the shortcut: outsource, import, slap on a logo. Jared decided to do it the hard way. ⠀ In this episode, we dig into the Hanna Golf story — how a sales guy became a maker, bought a CNC, and built a boutique putter brand rooted in grit, craft, and American-made pride. From betting on himself to cutting through the noise of big …

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What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn't just the parts it produces—it's the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. A…

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Inventory Management Strategies Every Machine Shop Should Steal, 479 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it's the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance. From raw…

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The Automation Trap: Turning Struggle into a Lean Legacy, Ep #22 40:19

2M ago40:19

40:19

After three episodes of grit, missteps, and breakthroughs, the story of Iron Clunk Machining comes to its conclusion—and its rebirth as Iron Wheel Manufacturing. This isn’t just the end of a narrative—it’s proof that the right combination of lean principles, selective automation, and engaged leadership can completely transform a struggling shop int…

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Beyond the Highest Bid: Selling Your Business with Legacy in Mind, Ep #26 1:06:20

3M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Selling a business is rarely just about the numbers—and in this episode of Buy the Numbers, we explore why. Recorded at the CLA Connect Center in Minnesota, Mike Payne and guest co-host Erin Mickels sit down with two sets of owners who have recently gone through the process of selling their companies. From fielding unsolicited offers to choosing be…

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Trial by Fire: How Leadership Finds You on the Shop Floor 41:08

3M ago41:08

41:08

In this MakingSparks episode, Casey and Matthew talk with Keith — a leader whose career has been shaped by both running a fabrication shop and now serving as General Manager at Fabrication Solutions & Technologies (FST). Keith's path started with welding in the blazing heat, learning from old-school fabricators, and grinding his way up to shop mana…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works (Part II), 478 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we're getting tactical.…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works, 477 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again. In this episode of MakingChips, we're joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing…

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The Automation Trap: Saving a Shop with Systems, Not Spindles, Ep #21 41:11

3M ago41:11

41:11

Welcome back to Lights Out, where we’re continuing our deep dive into Iron Clunk’s lean transformation—and this one is a turning point. After hitting rock bottom, Gary’s found a lifeline in Klaus and the Lean Stream team. But this isn’t a charity case—it’s an investment. With tools like value stream mapping, theory of constraints, and 5S, Gary and …

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Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: What Really Happens After the LOI (Part II), Ep #25 46:25

3M ago46:25

46:25

If you think selling your business is just about getting the highest number, think again. In Part II of my conversation with the all-star team at CLA—Erin Mickels, Mike Britten, and Mike Pohl—we dig into the fine print that can make or break your deal after the handshake. From LOIs to sales price allocations to working capital battles, this is wher…

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Clueless CEO or Culture Genius? When Curiosity Beats Credentials 49:32

3M ago49:32

49:32

What happens when a self-proclaimed "mechanically deficient" leader takes the reins of a 170-person fabrication business? For Brandon Stanchock, it meant leaning into curiosity, asking "dumb" questions, and spending a week in every department—boots on the ground, in the heat of summer. In this episode of Making Sparks, Brandon joins Casey and Matth…

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SWIT the Details: How Top Shops Nail Quality Control, 476 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Let's be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That's a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control. From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shippin…

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Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: Building Value Before You Sell, Ep #24 42:16

3M ago42:16

42:16

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll sell when I’m ready”—you’re already behind. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with three powerhouse advisors from CLA—Erin Mickels (owner transition expert), Mike Britten (tax wizard), and Mike Pohl (wealth whisperer)—to unpack what it really takes to set yourself up for a successful exit from your manufac…

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Programming Smarter: How Hexagon's ESPRIT EDGE Transforms Your CAM Workflow, 475 31:05

3M ago31:05

31:05

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon's Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops s…

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The Connected Advantage: Solving Real Problems with Hexagon’s Digital Workforce, Ep #20 42:01

3M ago42:01

42:01

In this special episode of Lights Out, we step away from the Automation Trap series for a special episode recorded at Hexagon Live, where the buzz wasn’t just about race car simulators—but about revolutionizing shop floor productivity. We sit down with Darren Metherell, Head of Sales for Hexagon’s Connected Worker team, to explore how modern manufa…

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The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474 1:02:18

3M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill," I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn't just another tax update—it's a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

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The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, #23 1:02:18

3M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

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Your Process Is Only as Good as Your People 54:30

3M ago54:30

54:30

What do you do when your fab shop isn't broken—but you know it could be better? In this episode, Alfonso Aramburo joins us from Southern California to talk about the work he does turning around underperforming manufacturing companies. But his approach isn't about flashy strategy or instant fixes—it's about people, process, and product, in that orde…

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Engineering Attention: Hüseyin Kılı� shares How Storytelling Can Grow Your Shop, 473 46:12

4M ago46:12

46:12

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly "get" why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılı�, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTu…

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Smart Money Moves: How to Grow Your Shop Without Breaking the Bank, Ep #22 56:02

4M ago56:02

56:02

I’m halfway through the year and, like many of you, I feel as if it’s still February. Orders are steady but not spectacular, and every headline seems designed to keep shop owners awake at night. That’s why I invited my friend and financing partner Ty Willis back on Buy the Numbers—because cautious optimism only works if your cash flow can keep up w…

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From Microns to Megastructures: Machining at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum, 472 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They're both precision-machined, but that's where the similarities end. In this episode of MakingChips, we're exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a …

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The Automation Trap: One Shop’s Hard Lesson in Lean Thinking, Ep #19 42:35

4M ago42:35

42:35

In this explosive second installment of our manufacturing audio drama, The Automation Trap, we return to the saga of Gary and his struggling shop, Iron Clunk Machining. Desperate to prove himself and catch up to his more successful rival Klaus, Gary dives headfirst into automation—but without the foundational principles that make automation work. T…

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How to Grow a Small Fabrication Shop without Losing Control 49:20

4M ago49:20

49:20

What does it take to run a fab shop, scale a personal brand, and merge two business models—without losing your mind? In this episode, the Ross Brothers, Rodney Ross & Austin Ross joined us from South Dakota to share how they're navigating their journey of running two different welding businesses. One is rooted in boots on the ground fabrication. Th…

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Shop Floor Greatness Starts at the Top: Inside the Top Shops Culture at Major Tool, 471 51:23

4M ago51:23

51:23

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn't just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space an…

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The Marketing Metrics That Actually Matter, Ep #21 1:06:44

4M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

What happens when a former MLB.com writer ends up leading marketing for one of the most complex machine tool portfolios in the country? You get a masterclass in translating business goals into real marketing ROI. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Jon Star—Director of Marketing at Methods Machine Tools—joins us for a conversation about data-driven…

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Managing Orders From Setup to Shipment—Without Losing Control, 470 48:48

4M ago48:48

48:48

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don't match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We've seen i…

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The Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won’t Save You, Ep #18 47:20

4M ago47:20

47:20

What happens when a desperate shop owner tries to copy someone else’s success—without understanding the system behind it? In this episode of Lights Out, Nick and Kaleb are joined by their friend and workholding expert Eric Nekich to break down the first chapter of a fictional story that might hit a little too close to home. “The Automation Trap” fo…